September 20th 2015 Premier Firearms Sale
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/19/2015
Serial No. 226677. Barrel length is 32 5/8 inches. Caliber is 45-70 GOVT. Standard issue US Springfield Trapdoor rifle. All metal surfaces are a soft gun metal gray. Patina with strong VP Eagle head at breach. Original rear sight. Block is stamped "US Model 1873". Side plate is stamped "US Springfield" with eagle. Original walnut stock is excellent, never refinished. Left side of stock has the SWP 1888. Cartouche in rectangular box (Samuel Porter). Script P in oval at wrist. US stamped barrel bands and butt plate. The Springfield research letter states, by serial number, that this rifle was issued to Mr. George Hodgins, of Company D, of the third Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, 1898 Spanish American War. Mr Hodgins enlisted in the third Kentucky on June 30, 1898. This rifle comes with several copies of preliminary paperwork which includes his discharge in April of 1899. An interesting trapdoor in that it can be ID'ed to the actual soldier who carried this weapon.